St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1887-12-27

| conceal his appreciation OF her society.
With easy grace she introduced the two
gentlemen, who bowed stiffly to each
other, then resumed her conversation
which consisted of old "reminiscences in
which George had no share; therefore
he could take no part in their talk.
In moment he had forgotten all
about Clara and his petty annoyance on
her account, while a pang of real
jealousy seized his heart. For the first
time in his knowledge of her he saw
Maude entirely engrOssed with another
man, that man former sutton, and his
experience was not pleasant one. He
stood beside her for some time, wait
ing for a word or look: but she had
seemingly forgotten his very exist
ence. By and by he quietly touched her
hand.
"Wlll you give me your card. Maude"'
he asked, as she looked around.
Certainly" she smilingly answered,
'but Pm afraid all the dances are
gone"
He looked at it without word; as she
had said, there was not one dance left.
81 told you when we entered the
room that you had better secure as many
as you desired" she said, in answer to
his look of repaOach. And he, remem-
bering his indifference, could answer
nothing.
That was the most miserable evening
George Campbell ever spent. Maude,
in the gayest of spirits, was so absorbed
by Stephen Black that he had no oppor-
tunity to exchange more than half a
dozen words with her during the entire
evening. Nor was he the only sufferer.
Clara Vaughan, always on the lookout
for fraSb communists had. hofarmipad RI
secure Stephens attention, and was
made absolutely furious by his devotion
to Maude. She could not retain him by
her side for three consecutive minutes ;
her Establishments fell pOwerleSS on
this man of the world, who knew every
phase of a cOquette's art, and thought
Clara rather clumsy workwOman,
though she did very well for village
girl. Maude's simple frankness and alb
sence of self-cOnSciOuSneSS suited him
better, and he remained by her side as
much as possible.
But Clara had determined upon one
grand effort, and late in the evening
proceeded to make it.
Mr.. Black and Maude were still laugh
ing and talking together in corner of
the ball room. Near by stood George
Campbell, his face dark with anger,
when Clara came tripping toward him,
her face Wreathed with artificial smiles.
''Oh, Mr.. Campbellr she cried. II
am in such quandary! Uncle and aunt
have gone home without me and | have
no escort, and it is so late!''
She paused and looked appealingly-
not at George, but Stephen, fully expect
ing that he would offer to do escort
duty. But he seemed blind and deaf to
all but his companion, and George was
forced to respond.
II shall be glad to see you to your
home, Miss Clara, if Miss Arthur will
wait here until my RETURN" he said,
slowly and reluctantly.
At this moment Stephen suddenly re-
covered sight and hearing.
ALLOW me to relieve you of the care of
Miss Arthur" he courteously said, turn
ing to George. Il have a carriage
below and shall be delighted to take her
home"
Before the irate lover could answer.
Maude spoke.
THANK you, Mr.. Black; that will adj
just matters nicely" she said, with a
bright smile. You need give your
self no concern on my account, Mr..
Campbell, but attend to Clara, if you
please"
What could George say? His face
grew darker than before as he Stam-
to Oblige all parties" then offered his
arm to the no less discounted Clara,
and strobe rapidly away. And it is GER
tain that the little coquette never had a
less entertaining escort than young
Campbell was that night.
An hour later Maude stood on the
steps of her house bidding Stephen
Black good night.
''And may call to take you to ride
tomorrow" he said on parting.
''Yes, shall be delighted to CO."
said Maude; and then Mr.. Black Sprang
into his carriage and drove rapidly
away.
Maude turned to enter the house,
when well-knOwn voice arrested her.
''Maude-One m0ment-I must speak
to youw
A CLEAN of amusement crossed the
girls arch face as she turned to confront
her lover. Not that there was anything
calculated to create amusement i'll the
young mans appearance, for he was alb
solutely white with passion and jeal-
OuSy.
"Why. George. is that you?" asked
Maude in innocent surprise. Where
is Clara?"
"ConfOund Clarar he exclaimed, too
much in earnest to appear ridiculous.
IF it had not been for her-but never
mind that. Maude, are you going to
ride with that fellow tomorrow"
Certainly am she cOolly answered.
''Why not?"
because 1 forbid it?'' he holly an
swered
my dear boy, you have as yet no
right to forbid ME to do anything" was
the lofty response.
George ground his teeth together in
impOtent rage. He felt that it would
not do to take too high hand with the
girl in her present mood.
II think" added Maud, as he re-
manned silent, 'that you have forgotten
our agreement of last night. If you re-
member
81 remember nothing except that l
was a fool, Maude?' burst out George,
Selling her hand and holding it tight.
MY darling, have suffered so much
tonight that l can understand how I'M
fairly treated you when / f1irted with
that artful little coquette"-
MY dear George" said Maude, SOL
EMMY, 81 am surprised to see that you
dislike Miss Vaughan. In my opinion
she is sweet girl. Without
s'Ah, Maudie, show me some mercy!"
begged George, encouraged by the sly
mischief in the girls eyes to carry the
hand he neld to his lips. II have be-
haved like an unmitigated idiot and
don't deserve forgiveness, but you'll
not be cruel to me, will you, dear?''
For answer Maude extended to him
her other hand.
eyes, George, forgive you," she
said. meeting his ardent gaze with her
frank, truthful eyes. "But you must
let me accept Stephens invitation for
tomorrow"
mo, no, Maude, 1 cannot consent to
that"
Not if tell you that he is my cous-
ms husband and has been for the last
two years, you dear, jealous simpleton?
Oh, George, I've only been giving you
lesson that you needed, and Stephen
helped me with it. Don't you think we
Succeeded?o